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SAN DIEGO | ESCONDIDO | IMPERIAL VALLEY | HONOLULU
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Programs & Services

Advocate Academy: Building Skills for Self and Systemic Impact

Advocate Academy

Advocate Academy gives you the skills and knowledge to advocate for yourself and your community. Through interactive group sessions, you’ll learn:

Key advocacy techniques to drive change
Effective communication strategies to amplify your voice
The power of collaboration in advocacy work
Different forms of advocacy, from grassroots efforts to systemic change
Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate recognizing your skills. You can use your training to advocate for yourself or join our Systems Change Group to address local issues affecting people with disabilities and drive real community change.

Join us in this journey to become informed advocates who can make a difference!

Program

key benefits

Trains youth in self-advocacy and disability rights
Provides opportunities to engage with policymakers and drive change
Builds leadership skills to create a more inclusive society

Services

Self Advocacy Training

We are dedicated to empowering individuals through our self-advocacy service, designed to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to voice your needs and navigate personal challenges effectively. By creating a personalized plan, we focus on educating individuals about their rights and providing practical tools for advocating on issues such as housing, healthcare, education, or community resources.

Systems Advocacy

By joining our Advocate Academy, you can be part of progressive change and help us make a difference in the communities we serve!

Community Education & Awareness

We lead public awareness campaigns, workshops, and presentations to educate the broader community about disability rights, inclusion, and accessibility. Our goal is to challenge misconceptions and foster empathy and understanding.

Join Our Advocacy Efforts

Whether you’re seeking support or want to help drive change, Access to Independence is here to advocate with and for you.

Contact Us for Advocacy Services
Learn How to Get Involved

Our Focus Areas

Equal access to education, employment, and housing
Improving public and private infrastructure for greater accessibility
Protecting healthcare rights and services
Addressing disability-related discrimination

Why Advocacy Matters

Advocacy helps break down systemic barriers that limit opportunities for people with disabilities. Through both individual and collective efforts, we strive to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, autonomy, and inclusion.

SUCCESS STORY
"With Access to Independence, I was able to move into my own apartment and gain the skills I needed to manage my daily life. Now, I feel more empowered and confident than ever.”
— Maria, Program Participant
— Maria, Program Participant
"With Access to Independence, I was able to move into my own apartment and gain the skills I needed to manage my daily life. Now, I feel more empowered and confident than ever.”
— Maria, Program Participant
— Maria, Program Participant

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C.C. Success Story

Empowering C.C. to Pursue His Dream Career

C.C. came to Access to Independence (A2i) with a clear vision for his career but faced a significant hurdle: translating his experience and skills onto paper. Creating a compelling resume felt daunting, and he needed support to present himself confidently to potential employers.

Understanding his unique learning style, the A2i coordinator designed a personalized approach. They spent time together identifying C.C.’s strengths and achievements and mapped out a step-by-step plan to build his resume. With templates and examples, C.C. learned how to effectively structure his resume, highlighting the skills that made him a strong candidate. For the first time, C.C. felt able to confidently organize and communicate his qualifications.

Thanks to this guidance, C.C. now has a polished resume that reflects his aspirations and abilities. Armed with new skills and renewed self-assurance, he’s actively applying for positions aligned with his goals. C.C. expressed deep gratitude for the tailored support, sharing that it not only enhanced his resume but also boosted his confidence. Today, C.C. is on a promising path, empowered to turn his career dreams into reality.

Ezekiel Success Story

Bringing Ezekiel Home: A Journey of Love and Determination

Ezekiel’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the unwavering love of family. Born with congenital myasthenia, a rare and complex condition, Ezekiel has been at the Helen Bernardy Center for Medically Fragile Children since he was just 14 months old. His mother shared, “When Ezekiel was born, the doctor told me it was better to send him back to God. At first, his dad and I thought the doctors knew best, but I wanted him to come home with us. Now I thank God he’s still here with me.”

For nearly two years, Access to Independence worked closely with Ezekiel’s family, providing guidance and support as they prepared to bring him home. The center facilitated a smooth transition from the skilled nursing facility by securing essential items like a bed and household supplies and even provided temporary financial support to his mother as she became his primary caregiver.

Finally, after years of separation, Ezekiel came home—a dream realized through the commitment and compassion of Access to Independence. His mother expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you again for all of your help. My family and I really appreciate you and the amazing program of Access to Independence!” Ezekiel’s journey home is a testament to the power of community, family, and the dedicated support that can turn hope into reality.

Farmin Success Story

From Doubt to Triumph: C. Farmin’s Art Showcase Success

C. Farmin was thrilled but nervous when her employee program invited her to showcase her artwork at their 85th-anniversary benefit event. The opportunity was exciting, yet the preparation felt overwhelming, and she worried about how to confidently present her art without stumbling over her words. Recognizing her determination, C. partnered with her program manager to create a step-by-step checklist to manage everything smoothly. Together, they developed talking points to help her share her story and discuss her art with confidence.

Despite falling ill for a week, C. stayed on track, completing each task on her list. On the day of the showcase, she arrived feeling both nervous and excited but fully prepared. As she stood beside her work, she found herself able to express her thoughts and inspirations clearly. The event was a success, and C. left with a renewed sense of pride, knowing she had shared her art with grace and confidence. Her journey from doubt to triumph highlights the power of support and preparation in achieving dreams.

Ibarra Success Story

A Lift to Independence: Reclaiming Freedom with a Simple Solution

In July 2022, Access to Independence stepped in to support a courageous individual determined to live independently, despite significant physical challenges. After receiving a referral from Sharp Chula Vista skilled nursing facility, the team quickly recognized that installing a stair lift would be life-changing for her, allowing her to safely navigate in and out of her mobile home for medical appointments, shopping, and daily activities. Using CARES funds, the center installed the stair lift, providing essential access that preserved her autonomy.

Then, in January 2024, when the stair lift required repairs, the team responded with the same dedication. They assessed her needs through an Independent Living Skills evaluation, discovering that this vital piece of equipment was key to her continued independence. Access to Independence arranged for repairs, preventing potential falls and safeguarding her ability to live in her own home.

Today, she proudly shares, “I am very thankful because it’s very easy for me to get in and out of my home, especially since both legs have been amputated now.” Her story is a powerful testament to how small adjustments can make a world of difference, enabling her to stay connected to her community and retain her freedom.

Maria Success Story

Maria’s Journey to a Fresh Start

Maria came to Access to Independence seeking a stable future for herself and her 38-year-old autistic son. Living without secure housing had been a constant source of stress, but during her visit, she discovered the many resources and supportive programs available to help her build a path forward. After meeting with the Long-Term Services Support Coordinator, Maria was guided through intakes and assessments, eventually qualifying for the Homeless Solution and Equitable Communities Program.

The coordinator quickly connected with the property manager at Rancho Santa Fe Village to address Maria’s urgent housing needs. Through an interagency effort, Maria’s application was approved, and with a flexible installment plan for the deposit, she and her son were able to move into a safe, supportive home within a month. Today, Maria feels relief and gratitude as she continues working with Access to Independence for additional benefit counseling. Her journey is a powerful reminder of how community support and timely assistance can transform lives and help families find stability and hope.